Implementation of lean manufacturing in a pharmaceutical distribution center: a case study

Abstract

The present work aims to provide a brief case study of a distribution center of a major Brazilian pharmaceutical retail company. Initially, a quick literature review is presented regarding the fundamental concepts of Logistics, as well as its primary activities according to the most traditional literature, the concept of a distribution center, and the important characteristics for its proper functioning, and finally, the delimitation of the lean philosophy, elucidating key points to be used in its implementation. The study showed that, within a context of continuous improvements, lean practices implemented in production, such as VSM, are a powerful tool for diagnosing and repairing deviations. Thus, it is understood that the lean logistics philosophy is indeed key to the proper functioning of companies in general, especially for large distribution centers, whose merchandise flow depends on robust logistics at the end of the production chain.